Michael McDonald has always had the best vocals around. Since the tragic death of Luther Vandross, Michael McDonald is the only living singer that I would truly love to see again. His sound is completely unique.
Michael’s stuff with the Doobie Brothers is priceless. He brought something amazing and special to an already amazing and special band. I can understand why Doobie loyalists were critical of his role in the roster. His voice and contributions command attention. He saved the group, no doubt, but he also changed the dynamic dramatically. It wasn’t the same Doobies, but to be fair, no one on earth could have replaced Tom. Donald offered the drive, talent and creative vision to help that outstanding group of musicians continue to make incredible music, at the very least. Tracks like Takin’ It To The Streets, Minute By Minute, and my personal favorite It Keeps You Running, stand tall on their own merits. Not the same Doobies, but still a great, big, fat Doobies. Michael McDonald has certainly earned his place among the great artists in modern music. 👍
Mr. McDonald is pure talent, a normal Man, a top musician, simple, confident in his extraordinary talent, but without arrogance and he makes music with absolute passion, he is a unique star in the music sky ....... all congratulations to this wonderful musician and Man
Such a unique unprecedented experience to see AND hear Michael perform and evolve through the decades (thanks to UA-cam). He has written my absolute favorite songs....I think of all the music I've heard since 1962 as a kid, I am sure that What a Fool Believes is my favorite song. [Michael, if you ever read these comments, I want to say that EVERY time you speak of your father, a HUGE SMILE lights up your face.]
Great interview! So nice to hear Michael talk up close and personally. I love his music, and he seems like such a nice, humble guy, especially for someone of his talent and worldwide reach.
I love McDonald's music and I'm a Sec of 83 baby. don't get me wrong, I love Cali swag type jam but he has great vibe. my absolute favorite songs are on my own and another song which is hard to hear the words to it but it still has a memorable temple.😍😎
My wife and I were lucky to be introduced to Michael's talents way back in April 1974, when Steely Dan headlined at the U. of Toledo in northwest Ohio. His vocals that night on the song "Pretzel Logic" were a revelation. Two years later we saw Michael again when The Doobie Brothers brought their Takin' It To the Streets Tour to Bowling Green State U. What a great time to be a fan of live music.
Just saw Mike in Monterey a few nights ago. Good as ever! First saw him at The Forum in Inglewood when he was first w The Doobies, and at least 8 times in my life. Seems like a nice funny genuine man. Thanks for all the music!
Thanks so much for this interesting interview. Really enjoyed hearing about how Michael McDonald "made it." Love love love him. He's the biggest reason I listen to the "Yacht Rock" station on Sirius.
Michael...thanks for all your great music!!! I am a distant cousin to Donald..but I had hoped I could sing with you...back in the late 70s I met Tom Johnston's sister (she worked as a sales rep for a medical company up here in Seattle/Bellevue) and she gave me a ticket to see the Doobie Brothers in the late 1970s....I went..you guys were FABULOUS... I also saw you when you did the ZooTunes show in the 1990s in Seattle...I do HAVE pics of that concert...you were fabulous... anyway...thanks for all the GREAT music..ESPECIALLY the harmonies...the fabulous arrangements...you are incredible...and deserved the place in the hall of fame .... I just wish you would come back to Tacoma, WA (you did come back to the casino there...the Emerald Queen...I couldn't come to see you cuz I had some strokes...but..please come back to Tacoma, WA....my secret dream is to sing a little song with you...I have some pipes...I am an alto...people think I am a cross between Karen Carpenter and David Pack...which confuses the hell out of me... all I know...I can sing...and I truly wish I could see you again...please return back...and I am so glad you made such lovely music...and I do, so so hope, you will live a happy life...please take care..and thanks again...OH...and I loved the song you did for Scarlett...it was absolutely beautiful....kuddos to you, Mr. Dad
He touched my heart in so many ways .. I’m in my 60’s..seeing him old and gray is so mind boggling. You think young and look so old. I’m here and trying so hard to accept and think young.. ugh
Thank you Michael...for45 years of great...great music. I invented several of my devices through your inspiration...kept me 'going'... Dr. Joe Resnick...inventor of Stealth. snake was in or spec ops group.
Enjoyed this immensely...Michael has a calming effect when I listen to him sing OR just chill out and talk to folks...a 'great guy. LOVE all of his music! Thank you for posting!
man, Michael made some Dan songs extra special, his solo stuff is great - but there are the Doobies pre Mike and the Doobies with Mike, the first are fine - real good - in that West Coast rock tradition, but with Michael they added a soul groove which in my humble opinion is absolutely unsurpassed, in fact I'd say they are close to the West Coast Dan. Treat yourself and watch Michael play live on Soul Train (with Jeff Pocaro and other now stars). Peace.
Classy Man....I love his solo music and the Doobies!....I never knew he played with Steely Dan.....but I can here it now in the music.Great singer/musician with such a unique voice. I love Him.....thanks for the video
I went to Amy's album and listened to "We're all strangers here." It was breathtaking as advertised. I couldn't help noticing that Mike's fingerprints were all over it, from the piano backing to the tone and substance of the lyrics. I'm late to the game when it comes to Amy Holland but she's beautiful. I'd also love to hear Mike's version of "We're all strangers here."
I just found this little gem, working from home during the COVID Issue and enjoying this with a coffee! One of the most soulful voices in the music industry, a true classic & gentlemen! so humble and down to earth, great interview Thank You! sending out hugs to whoever may need one! TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER! Peace from V.A.
Never actually heard him speak before, I don't think I've ever heard such a different speaking and singing voice. I absolutely can't hear any similarities. Weird how so many singers have fairly low pitched speaking voices, yet they never sing down there. I enjoy listening to some lower notes once in a while. Seems like there are quite some singers that I assume are tenors who really aren't, they just have a lot of range.
For real! He also speaks on camera in Steely Dan's "Making of Aja" video somewhere here on YT...the space between his speaking voice and singing voice may as well be the space between the mountains out west and the Appalachian Mountains. Like Miche'le, whose speaking voice and singing voice are also polar opposites. It's amazing!
Thank you to the great Interview (someday my dream to hear live mike plowed reality) greetings from Argentina
Michael McDonald has always had the best vocals around. Since the tragic death of Luther Vandross, Michael McDonald is the only living singer that I would truly love to see again.
His sound is completely unique.
David Illingsworth
Soo true.. thanku x
I'm a 58 yr old female, and I have always loved his VOICE! I remember listened to " What a fool believes". I've been hooked since then!!
Have you heard him live?
We just had 3rd row floor at The Wharf in Orange Beach AL. He was amazing! I picked his side of the stage too luckily.
I ❤ you Mike . My favorite singer of all time . Thank you for everything .
A real treasure.. Beautiful voice!
Michael is music royalty and what a humble guy he is. Cool interview.
Say That DrummerDanVA
He really is such a humble guy and very easy on the eyes
Michael's regular voice is so different from his singing voice
Michael’s stuff with the Doobie Brothers is priceless. He brought something amazing and special to an already amazing and special band. I can understand why Doobie loyalists were critical of his role in the roster. His voice and contributions command attention. He saved the group, no doubt, but he also changed the dynamic dramatically. It wasn’t the same Doobies, but to be fair, no one on earth could have replaced Tom. Donald offered the drive, talent and creative vision to help that outstanding group of musicians continue to make incredible music, at the very least. Tracks like Takin’ It To The Streets, Minute By Minute, and my personal favorite It Keeps You Running, stand tall on their own merits. Not the same Doobies, but still a great, big, fat Doobies. Michael McDonald has certainly earned his place among the great artists in modern music. 👍
Wow, what a completely humble guy. He's seems so down to earth, despite all his success.
His voice aged SO WELL
His voice is just as amazing as his singing, Fantastic.🤩🤩🤩😍😍😍😍
A modest, phenomenally gifted artist. I hope he never slows down.
Mr. McDonald is pure talent, a normal Man, a top musician, simple, confident in his extraordinary talent, but without arrogance and he makes music with absolute passion, he is a unique star in the music sky ....... all congratulations to this wonderful musician and Man
Mr. McDonald is an amazing talent. I hope he records and performs for many years to come.
Michael McDonald is a very humble man.....a tremendous talent 🎶🎶
Michael McDonald is a living legend God Bless you sir for all the great soul music over the years
I could look at and listen to Michael singing and speaking all day
My favorite singer of all time ! Love you Michael McDonald .
He is so humble.
Wow that voice is incredible.
lovethestage f
Yes it is.
God bless,truly humble man may he go on playing his music for a long time to come
LOVE YOU MICHAEL McDONALD! WOHOOO!
Such a unique unprecedented experience to see AND hear Michael perform and evolve through the decades (thanks to UA-cam). He has written my absolute favorite songs....I think of all the music I've heard since 1962 as a kid, I am sure that What a Fool Believes is my favorite song. [Michael, if you ever read these comments, I want to say that EVERY time you speak of your father, a HUGE SMILE lights up your face.]
Love Michael. He's always sounded nothing like his talking voice when he sung.
Michael Mcdonald and Paul Davis - two of the best blue-eyed soul singers ever.
Such a low ordinary speaking voice but such an amazing higher singing voice!
He still is the greatest singer to me
The older he get the better he look.
I just love the way he talk.❤😮😊
Humble, great guy!
Hi is one of the greatest singers off all time. But he have a huge respect for Steely Dan. Awesome!
Since my college times (late 70's) , still in love with you and your music after so many years.
MM has evolved into such a unique and humble performer. I wish he would be featured for Kennedy honors for many reasons, including absence of scandal.
Michael McDonald. A legend.
speaking voice and singing voice nowhwere near the same. This man made as has been in duets with so many classics.
I love me some Micheal but didn't know this was him! Looking great Mike!
Michael McDonald has one of the most soulful voices around. What an incredible talent!!
Great interview! So nice to hear Michael talk up close and personally. I love his music, and he seems like such a nice, humble guy, especially for someone of his talent and worldwide reach.
Michael is one of the greatest musicians not just singers of all time
Love his voice and his music
I've never heard him talk.. only his great singing voice
Greatest songs of my time. His voice soothes the soul.
I love McDonald's music and I'm a Sec of 83 baby. don't get me wrong, I love Cali swag type jam but he has great vibe. my absolute favorite songs are on my own and another song which is hard to hear the words to it but it still has a memorable temple.😍😎
The "Tom Cruise" of Blue Eyed Soul... Love You Mike
he's still handsome!
But back in the day....man, he was drop dead gorgeous 😍
Thanks for this, Backstage360! Michael is an awesome guy!
My wife and I were lucky to be introduced to Michael's talents way back in April 1974, when Steely Dan headlined at the U. of Toledo in northwest Ohio. His vocals that night on the song "Pretzel Logic" were a revelation. Two years later we saw Michael again when The Doobie Brothers brought their Takin' It To the Streets Tour to Bowling Green State U. What a great time to be a fan of live music.
Such a talented artist and a real stand up guy. Thanks for posting.
Just saw Mike in Monterey a few nights ago. Good as ever! First saw him at The Forum in Inglewood when he was first w The Doobies, and at least 8 times in my life. Seems like a nice funny genuine man. Thanks for all the music!
Kudos to Michael McDonald... loved him from the first time I heard his voice... in my book, definitely will always be a Doobie Brother in my opinio!n
Thanks so much for this interesting interview. Really enjoyed hearing about how Michael McDonald "made it." Love love love him. He's the biggest reason I listen to the "Yacht Rock" station on Sirius.
I saw Michael play in Vicar Street, Dublin. He is awesome and his new music is fantastic. Long may he continue 👍
Great interview
Michael...thanks for all your great music!!! I am a distant cousin to Donald..but I had hoped I could sing with you...back in the late 70s I met Tom Johnston's sister (she worked as a sales rep for a medical company up here in Seattle/Bellevue) and she gave me a ticket to see the Doobie Brothers in the late 1970s....I went..you guys were FABULOUS...
I also saw you when you did the ZooTunes show in the 1990s in Seattle...I do HAVE pics of that concert...you were fabulous...
anyway...thanks for all the GREAT music..ESPECIALLY the harmonies...the fabulous arrangements...you are incredible...and deserved the place in the hall of fame .... I just wish you would come back to Tacoma, WA (you did come back to the casino there...the Emerald Queen...I couldn't come to see you cuz I had some strokes...but..please come back to Tacoma, WA....my secret dream is to sing a little song with you...I have some pipes...I am an alto...people think I am a cross between Karen Carpenter and David Pack...which confuses the hell out of me... all I know...I can sing...and I truly wish I could see you again...please return back...and I am so glad you made such lovely music...and I do, so so hope, you will live a happy life...please take care..and thanks again...OH...and I loved the song you did for Scarlett...it was absolutely beautiful....kuddos to you, Mr. Dad
He keeps it Goin 💯. I really like his writing songs and his performances he's very talented. We listened to them so much in the 70's.
Thanks Michael love your voice.
Michael was and always will be a great inspiration to music.
He touched my heart in so many ways .. I’m in my 60’s..seeing him old and gray is so mind boggling. You think young and look so old. I’m here and trying so hard to accept and think young.. ugh
Much respect to you Michael. We love your work! My favorite artist!
Thank you Michael...for45 years of great...great music. I invented several of my devices through your inspiration...kept me 'going'... Dr. Joe Resnick...inventor of Stealth. snake was in or spec ops group.
One artist where the speaking voice and the singing voice are polar opposites. It's really sort of incredible.
Thanks for the interview, what a nice humble guy , and what a career ,
Enjoyed this immensely...Michael has a calming effect when I listen to him
sing OR just chill out and talk to folks...a 'great guy. LOVE all of his music!
Thank you for posting!
man, Michael made some Dan songs extra special, his solo stuff is great - but there are the Doobies pre Mike and the Doobies with Mike, the first are fine - real good - in that West Coast rock tradition, but with Michael they added a soul groove which in my humble opinion is absolutely unsurpassed, in fact I'd say they are close to the West Coast Dan. Treat yourself and watch Michael play live on Soul Train (with Jeff Pocaro and other now stars). Peace.
Totally agree with you, Sir
Classy Man....I love his solo music and the Doobies!....I never knew he played with Steely Dan.....but I can here it now in the music.Great singer/musician with such a unique voice. I love Him.....thanks for the video
Way up there all time fav singers,period,period!
LOVE MICHAEL MCDONALD'S MUSIC. SO TALENTED!
That was awesome!
always have loved Michael McDonald, now seeing his interview, legendary status is real!
I went to Amy's album and listened to "We're all strangers here." It was breathtaking as advertised. I couldn't help noticing that Mike's fingerprints were all over it, from the piano backing to the tone and substance of the lyrics. I'm late to the game when it comes to Amy Holland but she's beautiful. I'd also love to hear Mike's version of "We're all strangers here."
Man your music is priceless thank you thank you . .❤
Thank you Michael …always the best …much love from the UK ….great interview ❤️🌹🌹🌹
his speaking voice very low but sings in the fuckin trees..............................wow
MICHAEL love your music,GREAT interview .THANK YOU
I love Michael McDonald😍😍😍
He still makes me crazy!
I still have a huge crush on him, he is so hot! He is truly an icon
I have a crush on this man.
We all do
Love Michael Mcdonald ❤
Mike is the MAC ! No doubt
He's telling the Truth St Louis and Missouri in general has a lot of great musicians and great music I love living in Missouri.
Listen to his version with the piano alone of "All You Need Is Love""..can't get much better than this.
Great Interview Tony 👍🏽👍🏽
I’ve never seen you on video. 🤩
I missed your face 🤟🏽
You just came across my feed
His singer wife, Amy Holland, is well worth a listen. She's kind of inspiring.
Thanks for a great interview
Thank you! Love this guy!!
Beautiful instrumental at the beginning of this video! Absolutely beautiful! 🙏💕🎶💯
COME THROUGH KING MICHAEL WITH THAT FEDORA!!!!!👌YAAASSS!!! AND THE FRAMES FOR ME!!!!
Such an incredible interview! Such good energy. Thanks for sharing. Mic is just a cool cat daddy! 😎💯
I enjoy listening to his speaking voice just as much as I do his speaking voice. Very soothing and soulful. 🥰
..... the other song I enjoyed of Mr McDonald's is Sweet Freedom 😘#yasss
I just this man...what a talent
Great interview! You turned me on to Amy's song "Bridge of Sighs" ~ totally radio-ready tune!
Fab Interview xx
I like to see u in ur concert again
Please come back to this slow
Town of
Fresno ca.❤😂😅😢😮😊
I just found this little gem, working from home during the COVID Issue and enjoying this with a coffee!
One of the most soulful voices in the music industry, a true classic & gentlemen! so humble and down to earth, great interview Thank You!
sending out hugs to whoever may need one! TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER! Peace from V.A.
Nice guy
Great interview guys. Thanks so much.
Man this dude is so cool, ❤️ all your music Michael thank you 🙏
Nice interview
Talentoso voz de negro. Una voz exquisita, un lujo escucharlo. Lujo, alta clase, otro nivel. De otro planeta en estos tiempos.
Great interview and Michael is awesome!
Never actually heard him speak before, I don't think I've ever heard such a different speaking and singing voice. I absolutely can't hear any similarities. Weird how so many singers have fairly low pitched speaking voices, yet they never sing down there. I enjoy listening to some lower notes once in a while. Seems like there are quite some singers that I assume are tenors who really aren't, they just have a lot of range.
For real! He also speaks on camera in Steely Dan's "Making of Aja" video somewhere here on YT...the space between his speaking voice and singing voice may as well be the space between the mountains out west and the Appalachian Mountains.
Like Miche'le, whose speaking voice and singing voice are also polar opposites. It's amazing!
I love you brother
He looks good
Great singer and pilot. -Krell Krell Krell Krell
I love him